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Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess
Apr 15, 2026 2:28 AM

  

Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess1

  Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess Written by Amy McKenna Amy McKenna is a senior editor, primarily focused on geography and history matters pertaining to sub-Saharan Africa. She joined Encyclopaedia Britannica in 2004. She was previously employed by Standard... Amy McKenna Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 14, 2026 •History A little more than a year after winning an Academy Award, an American actress stepped into a different role: that of real-life princess. On this day in 1956, the two-day wedding celebration of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III began in the tiny European principality of Monaco. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on April 18, or any other day of the...

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Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess2

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Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess3

  

Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess4

  

Today in History—April 18: How Grace Kelly Became a Princess5

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